Eric Smidt started his career telling stories through social media. It's since expanded to include print publications and podcasts, among others. But one avenue he is most passionate about is through documentaries. Smidt, vice president of marketing & communications at the Ames Regional Economic Alliance, has been making occasional documentaries for the last 15 years. This fall, he is bringing that passion for the documentary form to the entire community, helming the inaugural Ames Documentary Film Festival, scheduled for Sept. 27 at the Ames Public Library.